Definitions

1. noun

A small, songbird, typically yellow in color, often kept as a pet or used in coal mining for detecting gases.

“The canary in the coal mine was a crucial tool for detecting toxic gases.”

2. noun

A person or thing that serves as a warning or indicator of a potential problem.

“The canary in the financial system was the stock market, which indicated a looming recession.”

3. verb

To warn or indicate a potential problem.

“The news canary was the first to report on the scandal.”

4. verb

To release or publish news or information in advance of an official announcement.

“The newspaper canary broke the story before the official press conference.”